Automatic train-gate



UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE. n

GEORGE C. IVANHOE, 01 PORT LAVACA, TEXAS, ASSIGNOR TO CLARENCE DEAN, OF

7 PORT LAVACA, TEXAS. 7

AUTOMATIC TRAIN-GATE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 3, 1920.

Application filed April 8,1919. Serial No. 288,487.

Lavaca, in the county of Calhoun and State of Texas, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Automatic Train- Gates; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

My invention relates to improvements in automatic train gates having novel actuating and supporting means.

An important object of this invention is to provide a railway gate adapted to be automatioally folded between the rails upon the approach of a train.

A further object of this invention is to providenovel means for sustaining the gate in a vertical position.

A further object of this invention is to provide a railway gate which is reliable in operation, simple in construction and few in parts.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawing forming a part of this application and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Figure 1 is an elevation of a railway gate embodied in my invention, showing the same applied.

I Fig. 2 is a vertical transverse section taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1, and

Fig. 3 is a perspective of a hinge and associated elements embodied in the invention.

In the drawing wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown the preferred embodiment of m invention, the numeral 5 designates a pair of rails mounted on cross ties 6. As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, 'a central gate 7 is mounted above one of the ties 6 and is disposed between the rails 5. Coacting gate sections 8 and 9 are arranged on the outer sides of the rails and are adapted to7 operate in unison with the central ate g A pair of hinge elements 10 are arranged on the outer sides of the rails 5 and are provided with alining barrels 11. A shaft 12 extends through each set of hinge barrels and has its inner end portion squared as at 13. The central gate 7 has its lower end thereof receiving the shafts 13 whereby the same is supported on a horizontal pivot. An arm 14 has connection with each shaft 12 and extends vertically therefrom. As indicated in Fig. 2., the arms 14 are connected to the outer gate sections 8 and 9. The arms 1a are provided with segmental heads 15 each carrying a pin 16 disposed at one side of the vertical axis of the arms 1a. An operating bar 17 is pivotally connected to the side of the rail as indicated at 18 and has its forward end provided with an elongated slot 19 receiving the pin 16. Upon the approach of a train, the wheel will depress the operating bar 17 and swing the gate sections downwardly between and on the outer sides of the rails. The operating bars on each side of the rails extend in opposite directions and are disposed on opposite sides of the gate sections whereby the same may be operated on the approach of a train from either direction. To permit the idle bar to assume a horizontal position upon the operation of the other bar, I have provided an elongated slot 20 in the lower portion of each of the bars 17 and adapted to permit the movement of the bars with relation to the pivot element 18. Tonormally retain the rear end.

of the elongated slot 19 in engagement with the pivot pin 16, I have provided a coil spring 21 connected at its. ends to the bar and to the pivot pin 19.

For returning the gate sections to av vertical position, I' have provided stout coil springs 22 on opposite sides of the sections. The springs 22 are supported by independent rods 23 connected at their ends to they plates 15 and to the adjacent tie. The free ends of the rods 23 are provided with arms or flanges 24: engagingtheopposite ends of the coil springs. Upon the operation of one of the coil springs, the other remains in an inoperative position.

In the operation of my improved railway gate, the several gate sections are held in a normal vertical position by the coil springs- 22. Upon the approach of a train from either direction, one of the bars 17 is engaged and depressed as described. The depressing of one of the bars 17 causes the gate sections to move between and on the outer sides of the rail thereby permitting the train to pass. Upon passing over the gate, the train retains the same in a depressed position by reason of the engagement of its wheels with the bars.

While -I' haveshown and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, it is understood that I may make such minor changes in arrangement and construction of parts, as will remain within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended extending upwardly from said pivot elements and supporting said outer section,

said inner section being supported by said pivot elements, operating bars connected to said arms and disposed parallel to the rails and adapted for depressing said gate sections upon the passage of a train, and spring means for returning said gate to a vertical position.

2. A railway gate i eluding central and outer sections, a pair of pivot elements disposed on the outerside of a pair of rails and supporting said central section 011 a horizontalpivot, a pair of vertical arms ;on nected to said pivot element and supporting said outer section, and operating bars having elongated slots in the opposite. ends thereof and having connection with said arms and the rails.

3. Airailway gate including, a central section, a pair of pivot elements carried by a tie and supporting said central section, a

pair of arms extending at right angles to i saidplvot elements, heads connected to said vertical arms, pins carried by said heads, operating bars pivotally connected to the rails and having elongated slots in the innenends thereof for receiving said pins, and coil springs normally retaining said gate section, in a vertical position.

at. Airailw'ay gate including, a central section, horizontal pivot elements carried by a tie. and having the inner ends thereof squaredand extending into said gate section, arms carried by ,said pivot elements,

5. A railway gate including, a pair of pivot elements, a central gate having connection with said pivot elements, pairs of arms anchored adjacent. said pivot elements and to said gate, flanges carried'by the inner ends of said arms, coil springs mounted on said arms and disposed between said flanges, and means to operate said gate.

central and outer sections, means to operate said sections, arms having their outer ends anchored adjacent said sections and to said sections, the inner endportions of said arms being arranged in overlapped relation, coil springs surrounding the overlapped portions of said arms, and flanges carried by said arms and retaining said coilsprings inpo- I i so sition. v

7. A gate for railway tracks including, central and 'outer sections, horizontal pivot elements supporting said centralsection,

vertical arms connected to said pivot ele ,ments and supporting said outer sections,

heads carried by said arms, pins carried by said heads and d1sposed to one side of'said arms, operating bars liavlng elongated slots in their-inner ends for receiving said pins,

pins carried by the rail sections, the outer end portions of said operating bars being provided with elongated slotsfor receiving said pins of the rail sections, and'coil springs connected to the pins of said: heads and to said operating bars and normally retaining the rear portions of said 'firstnamed clongated slots in contact with said pins carried.

by said heads.

- In testimony whereof La'tfii' my signature in presence of two witnesses.

GEORGE o. IVANHQE. Witnesses:

W. J. GREEN,

CLARENCE DEAN.

7O 6. A gate including horizontally pivoted 

